My favorite part is when he said "I'm not James Bond " in 2018 Sein went to a tennis game in New York and just before the match they played the Bond theme song. He smiled.
Everything with style and manners has been replaced by rude Hip Hop manners and TikTok mentality. Speaks volumes about the times we live in, and the generation which influences and forms our world these days.
@@K1ngmaker The Sandy Hook shooter was pretty much given the rifle to shoot up all those kids. If the mother had locked it up properly in a safe, it would have not happened.
What a glorious and wonderful British nutter...and I mean that in the nicest possible way. A great little piece of archive and from the days when people like this amazing man could own and might carry a revolver or 'automatic' in the UK. I love his indoor range! For a moment, I really thought he was going to discharge a firearm in the room with a live round! Fortunately, it was an air pistol.
I wonder if Bond using a .44 magnum in "Live and Let Die" was intentionally done in response to how he wanted Bond to one day use something like that. Anyways, the PPK is very concealable, which makes sense for his normal spy activities. But there was times in the movies that he was on missions that didn't revolve around having a concealed firearm.
In casino royale it was written that Bond has a .45 cal Colt of some type in the glove compartment of his car which he would use in case he needed heavier firepower than his Beretta, I don't recall what sort of Colt it was but given that Fleming's liking for automatics I'd guess it was a Colt 1911.
Wow, just noticed this video has hit 100,000 views recently. I don't deserve any credit beyond posting the video for sure, but didn't imagine it would be this popular. haha
Interesting fact: in the novels bond uses the .25 caliber Beretta 418 Dr No they had to get a .380 M1934 instead as they were rather similar in appearance, albeit with the added irony of Bond being given the smaller .32 ACP Walther for more stopping power Boothroyd doesn’t seem to be using either of those pistols for his demonstration, instead opting for a Model 70 from the same manufacturer
I know this is an old thread. But I have to say, the Beretta 418 is not anywhere close to being similar in appearance to the M1934. Its a pipsqueek. I own both.
I love how he just openly admits that James Bond is just a character. Far less in the firearms community, the Luxury Watch community goes absolutely insane in its members trying to copy Bond. Doesn't matter how often you point out he's a fictional character.
When it comes to the books Bond's watches are pretty simple, 'Casino Royal' a pre war bubble back Rolex then he switched to a Rolex Explorer. Fleming basically looked at his own left wrist. This is corroborated by Fleming's daughter. As for why Bond didn't have the Explorer in the first book, it hadn't been released at time of publication. Also the early Bond seemed a little more sentimental he carried a beaten up Ronson lighter and a dented cigarette case both gifts from his father. When Bond uses his Explorer as a make shift knuckleduster in one book this was based on Fleming seeing off a would be robber in the same way. When they tried it for the film Connery broke a finger and the bezel flew off the Submariner.
Accurate observation indeed but I think it's a generation thing. Prior to widespread use of the internet (so up til the mid-late 90s) for a lot of us books and movies were the main way we'd be introduced to things not commonly seen in our everyday lives such as nice watches or fancy guns or even rare cars. I'm going to be honest every time I see a Walther ppk OR a vintage beretta at a shop or shooting range my first thought is those old 007 movies and books I grew up with, just like whenever I see an orange dial dive watch I think of sneaking a chapter of one of Clive Cussler's adventure stories in Mr. V's class in school!
At the end of the day it is the ideas and inspirations attached to a character which matters. In 200 years time when us "real folk" are dead and buried we may as well be fictional characters.
When I was in NY law enforcement beginning in 1967, we were required to purchase a Smith & Wesson 38 special. Backed up with an off duty S&W Chief Special. In about 1987 or so, we were issued 9mm Sig Sauer semiautomatics. After I retired in 2000, I sold it as well as the S&W’s. I now have a Walthers PPK and it’s the best I have fired. My former employers moved to Glocks since I retired.
@@HotVoodooWitch - PPK. Hey, I’m old too. One reason I like the Walther’s is the safety built into the trigger. With revolvers we of course had no safeties and were happy about that. The Sigs had a safety that we never used. But the Walthers has one that takes no time to release. A great feature.
@@HotVoodooWitch - I’m not at all familiar with the stainless model. Hope you can get what you need. Another good thing is the heft in my hand, hard to explain the feel of what I mean.
The .44 Magnum round did not exist in any compact carry gun that an agent could wield. Bond had the long barrel M1911A1 in 45ACP if he needed more punch. It was not like the AMT hardballer it was a 11 inch barrel that stuck out of the front of the gun. The full length slide variants didn't exist for 10 to 15 more years. However the velocity reached 1400+ on a .45 which is a hell of a lot. Very comparable stopping power at those velocities to a .44 Magnum.
In the books Bond used a Beretta 418 in 25 ACP or 6.35MM 8 Round+1 He also had a Colt Army Special in .38 Special and a Colt M1911A1 45ACP with a extended barrel and a Smith & Wesson Centennial Airweight 42 in .38 Special And last but not least he was issued a Walther PPK in 32ACP or 7.65MM Browning 7+1 In the Movies Bond has many more guns. Dr No for example he had a Walther PP in .380 and a Beretta M1934 also in .380 and in the middle of the shooting at the dragon tank scene his gun suddenly changes to a Colt M1911A1 in 45ACP and then suddenly back to a Walther PP in .380 aka 9mm Short. They spoke about the guns in the movie in the same way that they were spoken about in the book however they failed to purchase the correct guns for the movie. This was corrected to an actual Walther PPK in later movies in 32ACP. However they also used the .380 again in Man with the Golden Gun as Bond says my 6 vs your 1. The 32ACP carries 7 not 6 so he would be holding the .380 version again. Of-course bond uses a number of guns in other movies including the Walther PPK/S in .380 and even the Walther P99 in 9mm and many many more including the Beretta 92FS etc... Bond is handed guns and picks up guns in many movies that aren't his own PPK. However the reference that they are making to the book is from Bond using a Beretta 418 25ACP with a silencer on it that gets snagged in his belt and Bond gets hurt badly. They then want to upgrade him to a 7.65MM Walther PPK (aka 32ACP) which was definitely a more powerful round then the 25ACP. That exchange was just messed up by the production staff in Dr. No by using all the wrong guns. I'd say the most interesting change-up was in Never Say Never Again where Sean uses a Walther P5 9mm Keep an eye out and have a look at all the different guns he handles it is fascinating
After reading the comments I thought that a character combining James Bond with Dirty Harry. " We'll Goldfinger I know what you're thinking. Did he shoot six shots or only five......is this your lucky day Goldfinger?" Hahaha
I recently got a Walther PPK/S, oh man I love this thing. .380 may not seem like much, but if you get yourself some 380 hollow-point, um yeah that's got plenty of stopping power. Or at least, it certainly makes soda cans explode spectacularly ;)
I just got one too! I stole an Interarms PPK/S Stainless for $650! It was mostly a safe queen for its life so I'll keep that tradition and maybe in the future get a PPK blued with some wear for day time carry. What finish and manufacturer is yours may I ask?
Don't ever knock what's still a 9mm diameter bullet, even if it's in a shorter case than 9mm Luger, and usually loaded with lighter bullets (80-100gr vs. 115gr plus). With the right modern defensive loads, the wounding potential of .380 at defensive distances (under 7 meters) is more than enough against individual human targets in street clothes. . For crowds, you better have at least 15 rounds on tap, though. It's not like the old days, where most crooks will have something of similar capacity (5 - 8 rounds/mag) at best, if not just a knife or blunt object. Bond going to the P99 was actually not a bad idea in the 1990's. Times change, after all.
They messed up a bit in both the movies and this featurette In the books, Bond initially used a Beretta Model 418 in .25in (6,35mm), which indeed was a small calibre with almost no stopping power, and then switched to a Walther PPK in .32in (7,65mm). In the movies, the Beretta portrayed is a Model 34, which was issued to Italian Army officers, and was in .380 Auto, and then switched to a Walther PPK in 7,65 (even if on-screen he used a Walther PP in .380, but still it was intended to be a PPK, probably because at the time the .380 blanks worked better than the .32 ones), thus decreasing the stopping power of the weapon per se. In this featurette, also, they used a .22 Beretta Model 70 pistol (although it isn't that wrong since the .22 and the .25 have very similar ballistic behaviours)
"Makes a jolly good can opener. Now let's say you was some bloke who had this 44 pointed at you. There's probably one question that would go through your head.......do I feel lucky? Well do you mate ?"
In the books, Bond has a .44 Magnum hidden in his glove compartment. Presumably, it would be more effective against normal cover like car doors or the like.
That is interesting. I didn't realise that the level of interest regarding Bond's sidearms, was sufficient for the BBC to warrant a short film on the subject... I can see why the "shammy" holster was needed (whether you like it or not)...it does fit closer to the body and the pistol has a slim profile. Any more like this?..cheers.
The one handgun I know of that is still legal to own in the UK is the RAF-issue Colt 1911 chambered in .455 Webley, due to both its age and the fact that the .455 Webley is a cartridge deemed "not readily available."
Honestly, all this hubbub about the Beretta being too small is ridiculous. Ian Fleming chose the PERFECT spy gun because Bond usually assassinated his targets by putting a bullet in their heads. The Beretta is every bit as lethal when it's used for a head shot and it's MUCH, MUCH quieter than the Walther and the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum. A spy's mission is clandestine and a surpressor on a Beretta 418 would make it very quiet and sound like something other than a gunshot. The Beretta 418 is the perfect firearm for a spy. I think that Bond should just have had 2 of them. Double-fisting the Berettas could take down several enemies quickly becuase Bond's aim was literally perfect. "I've used the Beretta for ten years, never missed with it once." James Bond to M, Dr. No Literally perfect.
Avro Arrow I think a big factor is gun culture of that time loved to emphasize stopping power and less about lighter rounds with higher ammo capacity like modern times.
The 418’s uncomfortable with its grip safety, though, and its .25 ACP isn’t comparable to .32 ACP and the Walther’s higher accuracy. Sure, the 418 is good for concealed carry/self-defense for an operative not looking for combat, but Bond being a 00 is a different story.
What's interesting is the PPK was also offered in .380 acp yet they still chose .32 acp. Obviously in Skyfall when Bond gets his new PPK/S its a .380 as neither S&W or Walther has made the .32 version since the late 90's.
For a SPY, the Beretta is superior, the removable barrel allows to swap rifling to avoid crime forensic tracing, the removable barrel allows it to be threaded for a suppressor without visiting a gunsmith, the 25 caliber is easier to silence, as opposed to "just suppress". The wide discharge port on top of the Beretta slide means it's easier to clear a stovepipe. The wide port on a Beretta means less powder fouling from blowback when a suppressor is used.
The Beretta they show is the wrong model. James Bond's original Beretta was a .25 model but it is a fun video to watch. It's a shame that all these guns are now banned from ownership in the UK. I wonder what eventually happened to Boothroyd's collection?
literally found a 1948 Beretta Brevet model 418 in my grandfather's dresser (That was a given, alongside his home, which hadn't barely been touched since he died in '96 when I was 10) also found "The Rifelman's Rifle" Win Model 70 .270 pre-64 model, found a browning/winchester semi-auto shotgun circa 1920-ish something, still considered one of the best shotguns around from what I know
The Walther pistol was carried/used by German officers during WW2. Officers had a choice of pistols and many preferred the Walther. It was light, reliable and had killing power as Boothroyd demonstrated. However, one thing he did not mention that is so important for a choice of weapons is not only is the first round so important, the second one is equally important. Too many novices buy a gun for its power and not for its reliability and use with a second shot. The first can stun your assailant, but the second shot can kill them. A 44 Magnum is useless if you can't hit the target due to RECOIL or it's too heavy to aim. The Walther has little to no recoil, which means you can fire multiple shots and be sure to hit the target center mass. Real life firing, defending oneself with adrenaline flowing, is a lot harder to aim on repeated shots than at a firing range. There is also the weight of the gun and reliability of the weapon. I don't care what gun you use, if it's going to jam on you, then it's useless in real life. German officers would've NEVER chosen a Walther if it was unreliable, especially for war. RU-vid is full of arguments, debates, counter arguments about which gun is best, which round can do the job. The Walther covers all bases rather well - light, sturdy, easily concealable, effective, reliable.
I own a fine collection of pistols. Amongst the few of my favorites are the Walther PP 100 Jahre, 1886-1986 'RARE' edition, mint and two PPK's (blued and stainless).
I think that Fleming picked the .25 caliber pistol because it was commonly carried by field agents during the war. It was small and easily concealed and that made it practical for defensive carry. Larger calibers were more intended for combat use. Incidentally operatives did carry the PPK and they were even fitted for a kit to use silencers. I know that snub nose revolvers, namely the Colt had a slightly more effective caliber but I also imagine that the PPK is easier to conceal then a revolver
In the late 1970's the BBC did a documentary called "The Gun" which was eight 15 minute episodes, the P.C snowflakes there today would be wetting their nappies if asked to produce the same today
The gun Connery shows at the beginning looks more a Beretta model 34 which was in caliber 9mm short or 7.65mm Browning. Also the Beretta mod.34 is heavier than a PPK.The Beretta used by Bond is a caliber .25, aka 6.35mm which Fleming doesn't mention the model but it's likely to be the 1919.
One little nitpick the gun that Connery shows and Boothroyd fires is not the gun in the novels. the Beretta in the novels is a .25 ACP Beretta 418 (6.35mm) The Beretta shown in this feature (and in the film Dr. No) is the .32 ACP Beretta Model 1934 (7.65 mm) the Beretta '34 can also be seen during the pyramid scene in The Spy Who Loved Me (carried by Roger Moore)
@entropy11 Unfortunately, Boothroyd was wrong on this one. The AR-7 cannot fit in its floating stock with a telescopic sight. It was designed to be an iron-sight, self-contained survival rifle.
I love that matchstick trick. I'm also impressed that he's shooting with one hand. Is that how people used to shoot? And if so, I wonder when people started being taught to use both hands.
After thinking about it, I agree with you. Even though I love how 007 has returned to his PPK in recent years and it would be great if he carried a Beretta again, what you said makes sense, because I remember Bond remarking in "Tomorrow Never Dies" about the "new Walther" when he picked up the P99 from Wai Lin's armory. So it's only logical he carry the newest Walther now.
James Bond loves his low calibre pistols, but I prefer something heavier like a 45 calibre. I have fired a Walther PPK (original model) and it was a joy to fire, such a light, easy gun with cute little bullets and doesn't have much recoil when firing.
It doesn't really matter if you shoot a hole thru someone the size of your pinkey finger or the size of your thumb, the same amount of damage is pretty much done... This is the concept that inspired Eugene Stoner when he developed the M-16 rifle... All military rifles before that were essentially over-powered, large caliber hunting rifles... 45s are great if you want to see an arm fly off, but it's much more than necessary for a kill, and remember, Bond often needed to shoot with a silencer, so a smaller caliber, sub-sonic round producing reduced noise and less muzzle flash was much more practical.
Heimdallr understandable, every firearm has it's ups and downs as at the end of the day it depends which firearm is practical for you. I prefer firepower personally because I like to cause twice the damage and cause more penetration.
At 1:13 Connery produces a gun which is described as Bond’s favorite. However this is obviously not a .25 Beretta. It appears to be a 1934 or 1935 model Beretta which are .380 and .32 cal. respectively.
Oui c'est juste Sean Connery montre un Beretta 34 ou 35! Mais dans l'essais sur la boite de jus de tomate il utilise un Beretta serie 70! (mod. 71 en 22Lr) ce modèle n'existe pas en 25 auto! Seulement en 32 auto ou 380 auto...(mod. 70)
@gamerguy1991 it's a blank, being a revolver the weapon would require NO modification to fire blanks. Nevermind, I just got to the match lighting part. Either thats an air-gun (which it sounds like). Or yes, he's firing guns in his house.
@Kennefo Actually, at the time Dirty Harry came out, they were phasing out those guns. Overpenetration was a big concern, especially in apartments where the walls aren't very thick.
@SilverWolfM200LDH Did you notice that Daniel Craig used a PPK all throughout Quantum of Solace? I thought that was awesome that they brought it back. The PPK was last seen getting replaced by the P99 in Tomorrow Never Dies.
I am pretty sure in one of the books 007 used a .44 revolver he kept in his car, wonder if this is why? but can't recall which one. I do remember in the books his car was an old bentley NOT an austin martin...
I love the Walther PPK as I'm sure everyone does as Bond's gun, and I'm glad he's using it again. I personally think though that if 007 really needs a new gun I personally think he should "get his Beretta back!" I would love to see him using a 92 compact in 9mm.
+Royann Greenwood I actually learned to shoot (.22 JCHiggins, 9-shot revolver) in the basement as a kid! My dad was a marksmen (letterman at Iowa St pistol team after WW2) as well as a great remodeler. When he redid our old-timey basement, he built in a short shooting range, hidden behind a large cabinet type door. (Probably about 1960ish)
The gun he is shooting is actually a pellet gun. It was pretty common for people to practice with these indoors. They make almost no sound and can bee stopped by a small wooden board.
John P IF you're addressing MY comment... NO! We shot .22s in the basement, A JC Higgins Model 88. Still have it, and it shoots quite well. Also shot my Winchester .22 rifle.
I enjoyed this video, but that pistol does not look like a model 418 to me. It looks like either an M1934 or 1935. The photos I've seen of the 418 don't show an exposed hammer and the pistol appears to be smaller than the one shown in this video.
Bond also used a Walther P-38 in Goldfinger, in the scene when he's shooting from behind the Aston Martin driver's door (right before Tillie gets killed by Oddjob's hat). This was never explained in the movie.
Wasn't familiar with this, but did a quick search and it appears you're right, the M70. Interesting looking gun, I have been searching for a good .22 so I might just track one down haha.
james bond did use a revolver in the movie live and let die 1973 roger moore,s first bond with the sexy jane Seymour solitaire only 20 at the time the gun used was a silver smith&wesson 44 magnum with wood grips beech I belive one time only but walther ppk ever since german army officers gun. still in service today...
In the spoof 'Carry on Spying' the says are issued with revolvers, and Kennith Williams does get a quick draw out. Albeit with the gun the wrong way round.